High efficiency automatic screening for cancer cell binding peptides and its application to various conditions

2019 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 16H02320
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (A)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Intelligent mechanics/Mechanical systems
• Research Institution: Tokyo Institute of Technology
• Principal Investigator: Omata Toru 東京工業大学, 工学院, 教授 (10262312)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 門之園 哲哉 東京工業大学, 生命理工学院, 助教 (10510282) ; 石田 忠 東京工業大学, 工学院, 准教授 (80517607)
• Project Period (FY): 2016-04-01 – 2020-03-31
• Keywords: 知能機械

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Since screening for a peptide that specifically binds to cancer cells among a huge number of peptides has been conventionally performed manually, it took time and effort. In this study, we have developed microfluidic devices that automate peptide screening by devising MEMS devices and using measurement and control technologies. For a screening device against two dimensional-cultured cancer cells, we have developed a device that can remove peptides binding to normal cells. Spheroids, a type of three-dimensional culture, is said to be closer in nature to tumors in the body. We have developed a screening device against spheroids. In addition, a method for targeting cancer cells cultivated under hypoxia and undernutrition is devised.

Free Research Field

機械工学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

実験装置の設計製作の工夫や計測・制御技術の導入により，ペプチド探索を自動化するデバイスを開発したことや，これまで平面培養に限られていた標的がん細胞を3次元培養に拡張することができたことは学術的な意義が大きい．がん細胞を対象とした研究はバイオ系の研究と考えられていたが，健康・医療の向上を目指すがん細胞研究という異分野の研究領域に機械工学を拡大したことが社会的な意義である．